Casualties unknown

2005-08-09: Piper PA-12 (N78481) — Joseph P. Pientka — Arctic Village, AK

Arctic Village, AK, US

On August 9, 2005, a Piper PA-12 (registration N78481) operated by Joseph P. Pientka was involved in an aviation accident near Arctic Village, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions, which resulted in an overrun and subsequent nose over during the landing roll. A factor contributing to the accident was a tailwind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot prepared a remote airstrip and landed successfully once, but on a second landing the airplane nosed over after heavy braking, causing structural damage. Post-accident, the pilot noted a 180-degree wind shift.

Accident Details

A pilot reported that he prepared a remote landing area by cutting brush to form an airstrip. The airstrip surface was dirt and rock, oriented east/west, and measured about 900 feet long and 40 feet wide. The pilot placed wind-indication streamers at both ends of the landing area. He conducted one successful takeoff and landing before picking up a passenger and returning to the landing area.

Landing and Nose-Over

During the accident landing, the pilot landed toward the east. He stated that the landing roll was faster than normal. As the airplane reached the end of the landing area, he applied heavy braking, and the airplane nosed over. The aircraft sustained structural damage to the left wing, the vertical stabilizer, and the right wing lift struts.

Post-Accident Observations

Following the accident, the pilot reported that he saw his wind-indicating flagging switch direction 180 degrees, indicating a change in wind direction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050907X01406. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.